Overcome Mistrust and Misunderstandings in Relationships
By Gary & Michelle Priddy
As a Christian Counselor and a Coach, we understand that relational conflicts can take a toll on both your emotional health and your discipleship journey. Mistrust and misunderstandings can easily arise in relationships, but through spiritual intelligence, you can learn to navigate these challenges with grace and wisdom.
Many passages in the Bible illustrate the powerful effect spiritual intelligence can have on our relationships. One in particular is Acts 21:15-26, where we see how the Apostle Paul handle relational tensions. When the Jewish Christians misunderstood Paul’s message, he faced a challenging situation. Yet, Paul used spiritual intelligence—empathy, humility, and a focus on unity—to overcome these relational conflicts. Let’s dive into how you can apply this same approach in your relationships and keep your emotional health strong.
What Is Spiritual Intelligence?
Spiritual intelligence refers to the ability to love God, others, and yourself by cultivating
deep, healthy attachments. It involves developing empathy, self-awareness, and resilience in the face of conflict. When we apply spiritual intelligence in our relationships, we can navigate misunderstandings with patience and wisdom.
How to Overcome Mistrust in Relationships: 5 Steps for Spiritual and Emotional Growth
1. Seek Clarity Through Active Listening
Misunderstandings often arise from assumptions. Paul, in Acts 21, took the time to listen to the concerns of the Jewish believers. When conflict arises, make sure you pause and ask clarifying questions before reacting. This not only helps resolve the issue but also shows respect for the other person’s perspective.
Tip: Practice active listening—restate what you hear the other person say, ensuring you’ve understood them fully before offering your response.
2. Respond with Humility, Not Defensiveness
Paul could have defended himself aggressively when rumors spread about his teachings. Instead, he chose a humble approach, aligning his actions with the local customs to preserve unity. Similarly, humility disarms conflict and opens doors for healing.
Tip: In moments of tension, pause and ask yourself, “Am I defending my pride, or am I aiming for peace?”
3. Cultivate Empathy
Paul empathized with the concerns of the Jerusalem believers, even though the accusations were not true. Empathy—seeing from another’s perspective—is a key element of spiritual intelligence that can transform relationships.
Tip: Regularly practice empathy by considering how the other person feels, especially when emotions run high.
4. Set and Maintain Healthy Boundaries
While Paul showed empathy, he also remained focused on his mission. It’s important to strike a balance between preserving your emotional health and engaging in reconciliation. Spiritual intelligence helps you understand when to engage and when to step back.
Tip: Establish healthy emotional boundaries in your relationships to prevent burnout while working through conflicts.
5. Use Conflict as a Discipleship Opportunity
Every conflict can be a chance to grow in your faith. Paul’s situation in Acts 21 led to deeper conversations and reinforced his commitment to unity. As disciples of Christ, relational conflicts can sharpen our spiritual maturity when handled with grace.
Tip: Reflect on how you can use this conflict to deepen your relationship with God and others. Pray for wisdom and guidance on how to resolve it.
Why Spiritual Intelligence Matters for Emotional Health
When you cultivate spiritual intelligence, you’re better equipped to handle the emotional strain that comes with relational conflict. By integrating the principles of empathy, humility, and resilience, you can reduce anxiety, protect your emotional health, and grow in your discipleship. Paul’s example in Acts 21 shows us how to navigate relational challenges in a way that honors God and fosters healthy community relationships.
Next Steps: Building Your Spiritual Intelligence
At Rising Hope Christian Counseling and Wellness, we’re committed to helping you grow spiritually and emotionally. If you’re struggling with relational conflicts or misunderstandings, consider seeking guidance through our coaching services. Together, we can help you build the spiritual intelligence needed to overcome mistrust and misunderstandings and strengthen your relationships.
Scripture Reference: Acts 21:15-26
For more resources on emotional health, spiritual growth, and Christian discipleship, contact us.
